An informal lunch with President Polisi (standing) gave new students a chance to chat with him about plans for the upcoming school year (and about his student days). Pictured are Abby Roesner, Taylor Wu, and Aaron Greenberg. (Photo by Rutina Wesley)

The first day of orientation was the most exciting; since 9 a.m. we were meeting new students from all over the world. For me, as an orientation leader, the most interesting part was watching how differently they were reacting to the same things. I will never forget their faces—so many expectations, such excitement about their new life at Juilliard! I was happy to see how many interesting and talented people are coming to this wonderful school. They are facing everything now for the first time, and will remember this year all their lives.

During orientation, students had the chance to meet over lunch with Dean Clapp on one day and President Polisi on another. Both were wonderful opportunities to ask questions and just talk about different things at school. Both the president and the dean were really open in conversation about their new plans for the year. We also found out what it had been like for them to be students, when they were growing up as musicians.

When we're coming somewhere for the first time, we're always a little nervous... which is why I think orientation is so important for the freshmen at Juilliard. Their first impression will last for a long time—and we've been trying to make that impression memorable for the new students. We've included in this week the most interesting things about Juilliard and New York, choosing the best of the city and the School to show them. And now that it's over, we're missing all those wonderful days—and waiting for the next year's adventures!

—Katya Sonina